Today, I was granted a rare opportunity to visit Nintendo’s production facility in North Bend, WA. I say rare because to my knowledge, Nintendo doesn’t give tours of this facility very often and almost never allows photographs. While I was limited in what pictures I could take, I was allowed to grab some shots that are going to make every Nintendo fan’s mouth water.

Nintendo’s North Bend building is not at all far from Snoqualmie Falls and the Salish Lodge (where the TV series “Twin Peaks” was filmed). As you approach the complex, there is some absolutely amazing scenery, including a small mountain. I’d have taken pictures for you, but we’re having what you might call a “typical Seattle weather pattern”. That is, it’s raining like a mofo.

Quite the familiar logo ...

Pulling up to the building, you’re greeted by the Nintendo logo that should be very familiar by now. After snapping that photo, I was quickly “greeted” by a security guard who wanted to know what I was doing taking pictures. Actually, he was very friendly, and more curious than anything. Checking to make sure I was on the guest list, I was waved through. I grabbed another picture on the way into the building, and proceeded to check in with Security.

Outside Nintendo's North Bend facility

Much like other Nintendo buildings, the meeting rooms here are named after characters. I was ushered into the “Pikachu” training room for my meeting. Nintendo was shooting footage for Pokemon promotional materials, and I took the opportunity to grab some more pictures. After this, a Nintendo employee gave up his lunch break to give me a quick tour.

Even Billy doesn't need THIS much Pokemon!

This is what Marketing calls a "Beauty Shot"